Vegan Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe Picture with Tofu Satay, and without CHOW MEIN NOODLES
When the weather gets warmer, and vegetables are at their peak, I love making salads. Although I try to eat raw vegetables often, spring and summer is my favorite time of year to create unique salads. One salad, for instance, that I love is vegan Chinese chicken salad.
The combination of flavors, for instance, and tanginess of the oil-free dressing brings a smile to my face. As usual, I provide different options for different taste buds.
WHAT VEGETABLES/INGREDIENTS ARE IN THE CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE?
Since I am making a Chinese chicken salad, I chose Napa Cabbage, also called Chinese cabbage. Unlike green cabbage, Napa cabbage is oblong in shape, with leaves that resemble lettuce. Its flavor, however, is sweeter and softer than green cabbage. In fact, Napa cabbage is the perfect replacement for lettuce in any salad recipe.
HOW TO PICK A GOOD NAPA CABBAGE
Once you select a Napa cabbage at the store, avoid cabbage with wilted leaves or brown spots on the cabbage ribs or base. Instead, select a compact, crisp, and fresh Napa Cabbage. For example, Napa cabbage is best stored in the refrigerator's upright position to keep fresh for weeks.
- Napa cabbage
- Red Bell Pepper
- Red/Purple cabbage
- Daikon radish
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Green onions (scallions)
OTHER INGREDIENTS IN CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE (CHOICES)
- Nectarines or Mandarin Oranges
- Tofu Satay recipe or Alpha Vegan Grilled Chik'n Strips
- Slivered Almonds
- Chow Mein Noodles
For example, the Tofu Satay recipe is perfect as a topping for the Chinese chicken salad recipe. Even though the salad is delicious on its own, adding chopped tofu satay adds a crispy tofu protein alternative.
Another option is Alpha Grilled Chik'n Strips. Recently, I bought a bag of vegan chicken strips to test them out. Check out my Alpha Grilled Chik'n Strip's review if you wish to try them.
HOW TO SAUTE SLIVERED ALMONDS FOR CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD WITHOUT OIL
To saute and toast slivered almonds, all you need is a non-stick pan. Despite popular belief, nuts brown very well in a dry pan over medium-low heat. However, the secret is to be attentive and move the nuts around in the pan often, as they cook quickly, just like a piece of bread in the toaster, almonds and other nuts brown when heated.
ARE CHOW MEIN NOODLES VEGAN AND OIL-FREE? YES, BUT THEY ARE NOT OIL-FREE.
Although chow mein noodles are vegan, they are not low in fat. For instance, I left the chow mein noodles off my salad since I'm not particularly eager to eat oily foods. If you are on a low-fat, oil-free plan, chow mein noodles are not for you! Again, these are optional, and my husband loves them, so I added them to his salad before serving. Like any ingredients in Chinese chicken salad, leave off the ingredients you don't prefer, and add ingredients you enjoy!
VEGAN CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING IS OIL-FREE AND FABULOUS!
My favorite part of any salad, in my opinion, is the dressing. Dressing, for instance, brings all the flavors and crunch of a Chinese chicken salad recipe together.
- Fresh ginger
- Rice vinegar
- Mandarin orange juice (or orange juice)
- Mandarin orange zest (or orange zest)
- Maple syrup
- Water
- Garlic
VEGAN CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD TOPPED WITH ALPHA GRILLED CHICKEN STRIPS AND CHOW MEIN NOODLES PICTURES ABOVE
SALAD LOVERS, IF YOU LOVE SALAD AS MUCH AS I DO, CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES
- Spinach Pasta Salad
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Greek Orzo Salad
- Spinach Strawberry Salad
- Grilled Caesar Salad
- Lentil Salad
- Tabouli Salad
- Vegan Taco Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- Vegan Quinoa Salad
- Mediterranean Salad
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad
📖 Recipe
Chinese Chicken Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Vegan Chinese Chicken Salad
- 1 napa cabbage chopped
- 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
- 4 green onions sliced thin
- 2 Mandarin oranges or clementines or oranges peeled, sectioned and cut in halves
- 1 English cucumber chopped ( I removed the seeds)
- 1 daikon radish shredded
- 2 carrots shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage shredded
Optional Ingredients
- 6 ounces slivered raw almonds toasted
- 1 recipe Satay Tofu or Alpha Grilled Chik'n Strips sauteed (see package directions)
- ½ cup chow mein noodles
Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- Mandarin Orange juiced and zested, or ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ slice fresh ginger
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 clove garlic
- ⅛ cup water
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
Instructions
VEGAN CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE
- Chop Napa cabbage and place in the base of each bowl
- Add chopped vegetables and oranges.
- Include shredded carrots, purple cabbage, and daikon radish
HOW TO TOAST RAW ALMONDS
- In a small saute pan, add dry nuts the pan.
- Do not add any oil
- Saute on medium-low, moving the almonds often as they toast
- Once toasted, remove from heat and allow to cool.
- TOFU SATAY (OPTIONAL)/ALPHA GRILLED CHIK'N STRIPS
- If you choose to include tofu satay, follow the attached link for the recipe.
- Or, if you choose to prepare Alpha Grilled Chik'n Strips, prepare in a saute pan. Again, do not add oil as the package suggests. I used vegetable broth instead of oil.
CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend on high. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- The dressing will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Fresh ginger
- Rice vinegar
- Mandarin orange juice (or orange juice)
- Mandarin orange zest (or orange zest)
- Maple syrup
- Water
- Garlic
Nutrition
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
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